Studio Director-Interior Design

Emerald Design Works•Chicago, IL

9h•Onsite

About The Position

Emerald Design Works is seeking a seasoned Studio Director to lead its Chicago studio and upscale and luxury multifamily and office interiors portfolio. Reporting to the VP of Interior Design, the Studio Director owns the studio’s P&L and is accountable for project quality, profitability, and client experience. The role involves building and leading the River North studio team, including studio leads and senior and junior designers, while collaborating with sales, procurement, project management, and accounting. The director oversees projects from concept through installation and closeout, maintains design standards and repeatable processes, and helps grow the studio’s pipeline through client relationships and collaboration with Business Development. This is a hands-on leadership role in a growing company, with the opportunity to shape the studio’s growth, working practices, and processes.

Requirements

10–15 years of progressive experience in commercial interior design, with a track record of successful project delivery.
Proven experience leading a studio, team, or practice, including managing managers, inspiring cross-functional teams, and driving results.
Bachelor’s degree in interior design, architecture, or a related field.
Experience in upscale and luxury multifamily and office interiors, including amenity spaces, common areas, model units, and workplace environments.
Established relationships with developers, owners, property managers, and design partners across Chicago’s multifamily and office market, with clients who continue to seek the candidate out.
Entrepreneurial, business-minded approach to creating opportunities through client conversations, site visits, and industry events.
Financial acumen and experience delivering profitability against a budget or P&L.
Strong understanding of FF&E specification, procurement, vendor negotiation, and installation.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage clients, partners, and team members at every level.
Strategic mindset, commitment to continuous improvement, and organization to manage multiple projects while maintaining attention to detail.
Proficiency with project management and design software and Microsoft Office.

Nice To Haves

NCIDQ certification or other professional credentials.
Experience in senior living or other adjacent sectors.
Experience with Studio Designer, HubSpot, or similar systems.

Responsibilities

Manage the Chicago studio’s P&L, including revenue, gross margin, utilization, staffing, and profitability against plan; use fees, discounts, and pricing to manage margin.
Lead and build the Chicago team, including hiring, employee development, performance management, and employee experience.
Oversee project delivery from concept through installation and closeout, ensuring projects are on time, within budget, and true to design intent.
Maintain design quality and standards and foster a culture of excellence, accountability, and designer development.
Oversee procurement, including bidding, quotation review, budgeting, and vendor negotiation.
Create clear, documented SOPs and repeatable processes from quoting through delivery and accounting closeout to reduce errors and omissions.
Build and maintain relationships with clients, partners, and suppliers across Chicago’s multifamily and office markets, including developers, owners, and property management groups.
Grow the studio’s pipeline through personal networks and relationships and partner with Business Development on pursuits, proposals, fees, and handoff of won projects.
Support effective use of Emerald’s systems, including Studio Designer for project financials and procurement, Ramp for spend, and HubSpot for pipeline visibility.
Take a hands-on role as needed, including attending client meetings, reviewing critical deliverables, and helping projects reach completion.